Guest Author - Gwenn Schurgin O'Keeffe, M.D. , F.A.A.P.

Sea sickness is really motion sickness on the water. Many people, young and old, are very sensitive to changes in motion. Depending on how fast our body adjusts to the motion, we may have few symptoms or feel quick sick.

Our body has built in motion sensors that work together to keep us balanced. Actually, sensor is a misnomer – it is more like a relay system involving our eyes and inner ears that report to our brain. Anything that interrupts this interplay, causes us to feel off kilter. For example, if our eyes can’t see what is happening and our inner ears sense motion, our body begins to feel off balance and senses the motion. Similarly, if our eyes see motion that our body can not feel such as on an amusement park ride or in a car, we similarly feel funny. When we feel the motion and our body can’t correct for it, motion sickness sets in. It can occur at any age and to any of us but kids are more prone, particularly between the ages of 2-12.

While all of us can get motions sickness, some people have a history that may help you predict it will happen with more certainty. Kids who get car sick or sick on amusement park rides, are likely to get sea sick. Kids who get queasy easily and vomit easily are also more likely to get sea sick. Having a child with these historical features does not mean they will experience sea sickness but it does mean they are more at risk than kids who don’t experience motion sickness.

What are the symptoms? Dizziness, nausea, vomiting, feeling sweaty. At the first sign of queasiness, that is the time to pay attention to the symptoms. For young kids, they may seem not hungry or fussy.

There are many ways to help. First, be prepared – it can happen to any one in your family. Keep in mind that if you are on a cruise, the ocean is very large and we are not accustomed to the movement at all. Our bodies will adjust in a day or two but in the meantime, there are many ways you can help your family feel better and adults quicker.

Before you go, explore with your pediatrician medications to consider having on hand. Dramamine is the gold standard for motion sickness and it does work well. It is very sedating but will help curtail the symptoms and is safe for all ages.

Pressure bands that can be worn on the wrist help, too. Sea-Bands are over the counter and widely available. They help considerably with nausea and vomiting from motion. The band is designed around the concept of acupressure – the same theory behind acupuncture. The bands put pressure on the Nei Kuan acupuncture point and are safe to use in kids 2 and older. We've used these on cruises with our kids both for short excursions and overnights and they do work.

Finally, for older kids and adults, the scopolamine patch can help you acclimate. It is a patch that is placed behind the ear 3 days before your trip and taken off a couple days later. However, do not over use it or you will find your self with some funky symptoms due to too much scopolamine such as double vision. If that occurs, remove the patch immediately.

On the first few days of travel, eat relatively light and frequently. Motion sickness tends to get worse when you are really hungry or have had a very large meal.

Finally, if your child’s symptoms are worsening while on the boat, call the ship’s doctor. There are other medications that can be used acutely but need to administered with a doctor’s supervision.

If you are traveling with a very small child, under the age of 2, consult a physician before using any medications including antihistamines. Small children are very sensitive to the dosages of these medications and can easily become toxic if given too much. The most prudent path would be to discuss with your physician before the trip what to do if symptoms occur such as vomiting, and to consult the ship’s physician early if the symptoms do not abate quickly.